The Samsung Gear S2 Smartwatch Is Officially Here

Michael Moore joined TechWeek Europe in January 2014 as a trainee before graduating to Reporter later that year. He covers a wide range of topics, including but not limited to mobile devices, wearable tech, the Internet of Things, and financial technology.

Circular design and rotating bezel look to offer a stylish alternative to the Apple Watch

Samsung has officially revealed its latest smartwatches, the Gear S2 and Gear S2 Classic, which will be available in a range of different editions, including one that has the ability to make phone calls.

Full circle

Weighing in at 47g and measuring just 11.4 mm thick, the Gear S2 (pictured left) comes with a 1.2-inch circular Super AMOLED 360×360 display coming in at 302ppi. It is powered by a dual-core 1 GHz processor, 4GB of internal memory and 512 MB of RAM, all backed up by a 250mAh Li-ion battery that Samsung claims will last 2-3 days.

The Gear S2 classic, which Samsung says is targeted at consumers who “prefer more timeless watch design”, features the same hardware but weighs in at 42g due to having a plastic rather than leather band.

In addition, both devices will also be available with a 3G-enabled SIM function, meaning they can make and receive calls, much like the Apple Watch. There is also Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC connectivity, meaning the device will be able to support mobile payments

Thanks to a range of sensors including an accelerometer, gyroscope, heart rate monitor, ambient light sensor and barometer, there are also in-built fitness functions such as activity tracking, calorie counting and steps and stair monitoring, with the results syncing up to a companion Samsung device.

However neither of the watches are waterproof, coming with only a IP68 rating, meaning they’re only dust and water resistant, and shouldn’t be fully immersed in water

Samsung says it has worked with developers to create a number of specially-designed apps for the Gear S2’s release, taking advantage of the device’s rotating bezel, along with incorporated Home and Back buttons which give the users a quicker, more precise method to comfortably access notifications and applications.

“For the past several years, Samsung has pioneered and advanced the wearables category, bringing brave new concepts to the smart wearables market,” said JK Shin, CEO and head of Samsung’s IT & Mobile business.

“The Samsung Gear S2 reflects Samsung’s most progressive innovation. It is the perfect complement for any occasion, easily taking you from day to night, from work to workout—and ensuring that you get more out of every moment in your day, by making it smarter and ultimately more personal and fun.”